Narratives can be useful. Stories draw us in, inspiring empathy and action. Such is the case with obstetric fistula, a maternal morbidity that occurs when women experience obstructed labour and are not able to access a timely caesarean section. Women with fistula are left continuously leaking urine, an embarrassing and difficult problem that typically can be resolved only by surgery. On top of the physical and emotional suffering caused by fistula, these women also experience the loss of their children because most of their babies do not survive during labour.1

Although obstetric fistula is completely preventable, humanity has created and continues to tolerate a reality in which not all women share similar access to high-quality healthcare. Obstetric fistula remains a challenge in rural settings in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia where pregnant women do not have sufficient access to quality emergency obstetric care. Estimating fistula prevalence is challenging; perhaps one million women endure fistula, with 6000 new cases each year.2 The persisting burden of obstetric fistula reminds us of global health inequity, forcing us to see how health and social systems are failing to protect women and girls.